The four young warriors moved from Hwayonggak into Pungwolru. They wanted to observe Do-Hyun up close and gauge his behavior.

Inside, the elegant decor and dimly lit lanterns created a mesmerizing atmosphere. The guests enjoyed their drinks, laughing and chatting in a carefree manner.

Jin Baek-Woo lifted his cup and took a sip.

"This place has quite a nice atmosphere. Drinking here isn't so bad."

Han So-Yeon, scanning the room, kept her eyes sharp.

"Now's not the time to relax. We have a goal, don't we?"

Oh Cheon-Ho smirked, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Don't worry. If we catch him off guard while he's drinking, we can break his spirit easily."

Jang Young-Pil set his cup down calmly.

"For now, let's wait. If we make a scene too soon, he might slip away before we get what we want."

Just then, a few drunken martial artists noticed Han So-Yeon and staggered toward her, their eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Well, well, what do we have here? A beauty like you shouldn't be drinking alone. How about sharing a drink with us?"

Han So-Yeon's expression remained cold.

"I don't have time to waste on fools. Move aside."

The men grinned, undeterred.

"Come on, no need to be so cold. A delicate face like yours doesn't belong in the rough world of martial arts. You'd be better off staying with us."

One of them reached out, aiming to grab her shoulder.

In a flash, Han So-Yeon seized his wrist and twisted it sharply. A sickening crack echoed, followed by the man's pained scream.

"AARGH! YOU CRAZY—!"

The others recoiled, their expressions shifting from amusement to unease. Han So-Yeon, her eyes sharp as a blade, partially unsheathed her sword.

"The next time you lay a hand on me, I won't stop at just your wrist."

The tension in the room thickened. Conversations halted, and the once lively atmosphere fell silent.

It was at that moment that Do-Hyun appeared, his expression calm as he took in the situation.

"Let's all settle down. This isn't the place for trouble."

His voice carried a quiet authority that made people listen. Han So-Yeon turned to fully take in his presence.

'…So this is Do-Hyun? They say he's ignorant of martial arts, yet he has an air about him… And his looks…'

She found herself studying his features closely. His refined face stood in stark contrast to the rugged warriors of the martial world. But it was his eyes that intrigued her—the steady, unwavering gaze of someone who had survived against the odds.

'Why do I feel… off balance? I've never met anyone quite like him before.'

The drunken martial artists hastily retreated, and Han So-Yeon turned to Do-Hyun.

"You're Do-Hyun? The one said to be chosen by the sword?"

Do-Hyun met her gaze with a relaxed smile.

"That's what people say. But even I'm not sure how much of it is true."

Han So-Yeon, momentarily thrown off by his response, quickly steadied herself.

"In the martial world, reputation is power. How you wield it is up to you."

Do-Hyun nodded.

"Wise words. But I'm not here for power. I just want to protect the people who have helped me."

His sincerity made her hesitate.

'He's nothing like the others…'

*****************************

Han So-Yeon's Challenge

Even after their brief conversation, Han So-Yeon found herself unsettled. She had expected an arrogant fool clinging to an undeserved reputation. Instead, she had met a man unlike any she had ever known.

'Could he really be as strong as the rumors claim?'

She glanced back at Jin Baek-Woo, Jang Young-Pil, and Oh Cheon-Ho. They remained silent but their gazes told her everything—they expected her to act.

Taking a deep breath, Han So-Yeon strode toward Do-Hyun, gripping the hilt of her sword.

Stolen story; please report.

"Do-Hyun, I want to see if the rumors are true. Draw your sword."

Do-Hyun looked at her, puzzled.

"I don't fight women. I have no reason to."

Her expression turned cold.

"What? Are you looking down on me? So you're just like the others. Disappointing."

She drew her sword, the sharp edge gleaming under the lantern lights.

"If you're truly a martial artist, then you won't hide behind excuses. Fight me."

With lightning speed, she lunged forward, her blade aimed at his shoulder. Her movements were precise, a testament to her skill.

"Don't assume you can take me lightly just because I'm a woman."

Do-Hyun instinctively dodged, but his footing slipped, and he stumbled backward.

Han So-Yeon smirked.

"So much for the chosen one. What a joke."

Then—

His sword moved.

It wasn't his own will guiding it. The blade responded as if possessed, shifting in perfect rhythm to counter her strike.

Han So-Yeon's eyes widened.

'What the—? His technique changed completely…'

A deep, chilling voice echoed in Do-Hyun's mind.

"Relax. I will move for you."

Do-Hyun whispered under his breath.

"What…? Who are you?"

Han So-Yeon hesitated, sensing something unnatural.

'Is the sword… responding to him?'

The tension was interrupted when Chun-Hyang rushed out.

"Both of you, stop! This is Pungwolru! If you continue, we'll all be in danger!"

Han So-Yeon didn't lower her sword.

"Fine. Then let's move to the garden. There, we won't be interrupted."

Do-Hyun sighed.

"If that's what you want, I'll oblige. But I don't wish for this fight to be more than a simple exchange."

The two stepped into Pungwolru's secluded garden, the moon casting a silver glow over the trees.

Han So-Yeon readied her stance.

"Here, nothing will interfere. Show me what you're capable of."

Do-Hyun tightened his grip on his sword.

Then, the sword whispered once more.

"You are weak. But for now, I will guide you."

*********************************************

The Sword of Flames and a Shaken Heart

As soon as Do-Hyun raised his sword, flames erupted from its blade.

Han So-Yeon's breath caught.

'That fire… is that his power? Or the sword's?'

Do-Hyun stared at the burning blade in disbelief.

'This… this wasn't me.'

The sword spoke coldly.

"You are not yet worthy. But I will act in your place."

Do-Hyun clenched his teeth.

'What? You're just going to take over? Without my permission?'

Han So-Yeon, regaining her focus, lunged.

"If that fire is just for show, I'll be the one to prove it."

As their swords clashed, the flames surged. Sparks flew as fire licked at Han So-Yeon's sleeve. She gasped, instinctively stepping back.

"What the—?! My clothes—"

Realizing what had happened, Do-Hyun immediately stepped forward and, without thinking, pulled her into a protective embrace.

"Stop! I won't let this fight go any further!"

Han So-Yeon froze.

"What… are you doing?!"

Do-Hyun tightened his grip.

"I won't let you get hurt because of this damn sword."

She felt his warmth, his genuine concern. Her face reddened involuntarily.

'This guy… what the hell is he thinking?!'

Breaking free, she shoved him away.

"Idiot! You—!"

At that moment, Chun-Hyang approached, draping a robe over Han So-Yeon's shoulders.

"Here in Pungwolru, we protect each other. Please, don't misunderstand."

Han So-Yeon, still flustered, glanced at Do-Hyun.

'I need to know more about him… and his sword.'

Do-Hyun, gazing at his weapon, made a silent vow.

'This sword… I need to take control before it controls me.'

Their destinies had just begun to intertwine